Officer Timothy Joseph Zurovetz, Forest Hill Police Department, Texas

Officer Timothy Joseph Zurovetz

Forest Hill Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Timothy Joseph Zurovetz

Officer Timothy Zurovetz succumbed to injuries sustained in an automobile accident on June 12, 1981, while responding to an emergency call. His vehicle struck a utility pole after he swerved to avoid another motorist.

He suffered severe trauma in the accident that caused him to slip into a coma. After emerging from the coma, he remained partially paralyzed and continued to suffer from brain damage. He passed away on March 24, 2010, after suffering a pulmonary embolism caused by the brain trauma.

Officer Zurovetz had served with the Forest Hill Police Department for only five months and had previously served with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office for just over five years. He is survived by his daughter and mother.

Bio

Age 54
Tour 6 years, 2 months
Badge 166

Incident Details

Cause Automobile crash
Incident Date Friday, June 12, 1981

Most Recent Reflection

View all 104 Reflections

I worked with Tim at TCSO. One of the finest, bravest and most innovative police officers I've ever had the pleasure of serving along side. Tim had the rare ability to de-escalate even the most sensitive situations just by talking to people in a calm and composed manner, even when I'm sure he felt anything but calm. I went to the hospital and visited Tim after his accident and often read to him even though he was comatose. Probably drove the nurses nuts but I thought Tim just might be able to hear and take note that someone was near. I saw Tim one day while driving after he regained consiciousness and had been released from the hospital. His wife was driving him and I pulled alongside at a light. Looked over and saw my old partner and hollered "Hello Tim!" He waved back without speaking. They caught up with me at the next light and darn if he didn't roll down the window and call my name. Semper Fi old buddy - we've got your shift covered.

Chief David Creed
Shavano Park PD

May 12, 2013